It is now or never for Colorado. If the Buffaloes lose to Houston on Friday night, they will officially lose their chance to make a bowl game and face bigger questions about the program's future. But if they can get a ranked win, then they will go into their final two games needing to win both to reach six wins.
This is not an easy matchup. The Cougars are undefeated this season against unranked teams, with their only losses coming against Texas Tech and Utah. But they came close to falling last week against Cincinnati, which could show that Houston is vulnerable.
If Colorado is going to pull off the upset and keep their bowl chances alive, they must do these five things:
Generate takeaways
All season, Colorado's defense has struggled to take the ball away. At the same
time, Houston's quarterback, Conner Weigman, generally does not turn the ball over. In fact, he has only two interceptions this season. But if the Buffaloes are going to pull off this upset, they need to break their negative trend and force multiple takeaways, including at least one pick. Turnovers throw an offense off balance, which is exactly what Colorado needs to avoid.
Efficient running
At this point in the year, it is clear that when Colorado wins, they run the ball well. Houston allows an average of 107.3 rushing yards per game so that it won't be easy for the Buffaloes. But if they are going to win, the run game needs to work so this offense can stay on the field. They haven't settled on a starting running back all season, but JaQuail Smith has the most rushing attempts, and Richard Young has stepped up lately. They could be options for the Buffaloes in this game.
Isaac Wilson needs multiple TDs
While Colorado needs to run the ball, they cannot sustain an offense solely on the ground. Isaac Wilson only has two games with multiple touchdown passes - against Utah and Oklahoma State. The game against the Utes came down to the wire, while their game against Oklahoma State was close for one half. Therefore, the Buffaloes can keep games close when Wilson is getting touchdowns. They will need him to do that in this game.
No turnovers
Colorado tends to shoot themselves in the foot, but they cannot afford to do that in this game. The Buffaloes already have just a 17 percent chance of winning this game, according to ESPN analytics. But a turnover would plummet their odds of winning. Especially given how important this is for the Buffaloes' postseason chances, they need to hold onto the football.
Get Joseph Williams involved a lot
Wide receiver Joseph Williams is easily the best offensive player the Buffaloes have. This is probably his last season with Colorado, since he seems like a candidate for the transfer portal, so the Buffaloes might as well take advantage of him while he is still here and make sure the ball gets in his hands. Colorado does not win this game without their stars showing up, and on offense, that is Williams.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Five keys to a Colorado football win over Houston in Week 11
